An Indicator-Based Model for Assessing In-Between Character in South European Urban Spaces

Source abstract

This article advances the understanding of urban spaces that enable the emergence of “life between buildings”, understood as South European environments capable of supporting care, social interaction, and community life. The study focuses on in-between spaces, defined as spatial realms located between the private sphere of the dwelling and the public sphere of the city, and characterized by both physical and social dimensions. Specifically, the article addresses the quantitative assessment of their social dimension by developing an objective model to identify the degree of in-between character present in urban space. The proposed model comprises two complementary stages. The first consists of an activity-mapping methodology designed to record the social and use-related characteristics that define in-between spaces. The second establishes a set of indicators that determine the in-between character of each space on the basis of the data collected through this mapping process. By measuring the level of in-between character, the model helps identify the types of urban settings in which relationships that strengthen community life are generated. This knowledge can support spatial planning strategies aimed at producing appropriate privacy gradients and improving existing residential environments through a more suitable provision of public space and enhancing the everyday habitability of nearby urban fabrics.